Reducing Behavior Problems
Explore resources designed to help K-5 educators learn how many typical behavior problems can be prevented through classroom management, engaging instruction, and positive student-teacher relationships. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom.
Visual Diagram: Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom
Reducing Behavior Problems > Overview & Tools
Teachers can exert a powerful effect on students' behavior. Explicit instruction of social and emotional skills and effective management of the classroom learning environment can reduce student...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
Using Social-Emotional Learning Standards to Guide a Schoolwide Approach
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
Hear how Baxter Elementary has social-emotional learning standards in place, which are the basis for all social-emotional learning and reinforcement that occurs within the school. Students are...
Resource Type
School Example
Everyone Becomes Involved
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > See How It Works
View this video about how families attend informal, interactive workshops aimed at teaching parents how to work with their children to improve behavior. Parents learn about topics such as refusal...
Resource Type
School Example
A Notably Peaceful School Climate
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
This presentation shows how teachers approach problem behaviors by having honest conversations with children. Children are asked to describe what happened, what they were thinking at the time, and...
Resource Type
School Example
Peace Day Rally
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
Listen to an audio about how P.S. 269 uses daily and annual peace activities to encourage positive behavior management. The principal and staff use morning line-up and daily class gatherings to...
Resource Type
School Example
Developing Teaching and Management Practices for Healthy Academic and Social Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
This video shows how Everett Area Elementary School implements schoolwide teaching and classroom management practices to foster youth development. The school bookends these practices with social...
Resource Type
School Example
State Support of Schoolwide Change Efforts
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
Listen to an interview with administrators at the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education about implementing a schoolwide model for behavior improvement. An essential part of...
Resource Type
School Example
Long-Term Strategic Planning in Bedford County
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
This interview features a countywide strategic planning process to incorporate a program for promoting healthy and safe behavior and social skills. The interview highlights special attention given...
Resource Type
School Example
Designing a Schoolwide Approach to Reduce Behavior Problems
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
See how a Solutions Team collected data to develop a cohesive, schoolwide behavior plan that students can follow in all areas of the school and at home. Discipline plans were not consistent...
Resource Type
School Example
Creating Strong Relationships Through Parent Workshops
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > See How It Works
The Parent Coordinator at P.S. 24 describes how she creates strong, trusting relationships with families through workshops dealing with topics and issues that are important to parents. Trust is a...
Resource Type
School Example
It Takes a Village to Raise a Socially and Emotionally Competent Child
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > See How It Works
Hear how Pinnacle School 35 implements several programs that work together to reduce behavior problems schoolwide. Programs include a social-emotional learning curriculum, an after-school program,...
Resource Type
School Example
A System for Teacher Collaboration to Reduce Behavior Problems
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > See How It Works
Harmony Hills Elementary implements the Collaborative Action Process for teachers to work collaboratively to address behavior problems. This process gives teachers a step-by-step guide to dealing...
Resource Type
School Example
